The Terriers enjoyed 76% possession at the John Smith’s Stadium, but Rafa Benitez ’s tactical plan stifled Huddersfield and allowed Newcastle to catch Wagner’s side on the break.

A penalty from Matt Ritchie , followed by goals from Daryl Murphy and substitute Dwight Gayle, secured the win for Newcastle and saw the Magpies move 11 points clear of the third-placed Terriers in the process.

“There is a reason why they are top of the league,” Huddersfield boss Wagner said of Newcastle.

“Even when they’re not at their best in terms of ball possession or shots, they are able to manage results.

“As we have seen in the past they have a lot of lucky moments, like the Brighton goal or the penalty [against Huddersfield] and the second goal, but on the other side, I have to be honest, it’s a top team with a great manager.

“They deserve every single point that they have, even when some of them were maybe a little bit lucky.”

United’s penalty was a little fortuitous, with Ritchie appearing to trip over his own legs rather than necessarily being challenged by Nakhi Wells, while Huddersfield’s penalty was also on the generous side.

Wagner was pleased with how his players performed, but praised Benitez’s tactics and the Magpies’ discipline in sticking to their own gameplan.

“I think we played well,” Wagner added.

“I think the players tried and risked everything. I was very happy with their working attitude.